Blackberry Preserves

Extend your enjoyment of those juicy, sun-ripened blackberries with a delicious refrigerator preserve.

Level:
Moderate

Ingredients

4 c. blackberries

¼ c. fresh lemon juice

4 piece lemon peel

5 piece orange peel

1 c. sugar

Directions

Place the blackberries, lemon juice, lemon and orange peel, and 1/4 cup water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the berries are soft -- 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the citrus peels and stir in the sugar.

Increase heat to medium-high, and let the mixture return to a boil. Cook, stirring frequently, until the preserves have jelled -- about 7 minutes.

(To test, place a teaspoon of preserves on a cold plate and refrigerate for 2 to 3 minutes. If a skin forms and the shape holds when pushed with a finger, the preserves have jelled.)

Pour into clean glass jars and let cool to room temperature. Store refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.